All steel must be tempered – subjected to great heat, almost enough to melt or destroy the metal – to make it stronger... Temper us in the fire, and we grow stronger. When we suffer, we survive. -- John Carstairs
(Prologue, Fall Like Rain paragraph 10)

Importance: When the novel begins, Emma’s father explains to her the importance of new weaponry, and how it becomes stronger. He equates the stress weapons must undergo to become stronger to the trials in human life that make people stronger. His words are prophetic, as John and his wife will soon be murdered by demons. It will be the greatest challenge of Emma’s young life – and will serve to make her stronger in the long run.

Importance: Sebastian’s chilling warning to the members of the Clave, and to Clary and Jace, is that he is coming. Sebastian’s warning portends war, destruction, and death. It leads many to believe that Sebastian...